ABSTRACT
The structure of this book is as intentional as the pedagogy it seeks to promote. Each chapter shares a relational story because it is through our stories that we connect. Readers are asked to reflect on their own story and their perspective on the chapter’s topic. The chapter then moves on to explore why we should explore these skills within our classroom and offers accessible research from top authors and experts in the field. After exploring “why,” the chapter seeks to consider the perspective of the students – as teachers are challenged to reflect on their students’ stories. Finally, the chapter ends with practical takeaways that educators can implement into their teaching. This first chapter uses this structure to introduce the reader to who I am, my eclectic experience working with children, teens, and young adults, and my perspective on social-emotional well-being and holistic learning.
